Delia Owens ​

Delia Owens is an American author and zoologist. Her debut novel "Where the Crawdads Sing" skyrocketed to fame and spent over 97 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Prior to her novel, she had co-authored several nonfiction books about her life as a wildlife scientist in Africa.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote breakthrough novel, "Where the Crawdads Sing", at the age of 70.
• Previously a wildlife scientist.
• Her debut novel stayed on The New York Times Best Seller list for more than two years.
• The novel is being adapted into a film by Reese Witherspoon's production company.
• Her work focuses on the natural world and conservation.

Background ​

Owens was born in 1949 in rural Georgia. She got her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Georgia and later earned a PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of California in Davis. While studying, she started making extensive observations of brown hyenas and lions in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, Africa. Her collaborative work was highlighted in the international award-winning documentary The Cry of the Kalahari. Owens had already been the co-author of two non-fictional books before she published her best-selling debut novel, The Where the Crawdads Sing in 2018, a book that focuses on the tale of an abandoned young girl who grows up alone in the marshlands of North Carolina.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Owens has a descriptive and poetic writing style that captures the beauty of nature and the subtlety of human emotions. Her debut novel "Where the Crawdads Sing" is a testament to this. The novel's profound depiction of the natural world and the depth of its primary characters have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Owens illuminates societal issues, such as gender discrimination and isolation, through her immersive storytelling.

Notable Works ​

• Where the Crawdads Sing (2018)